"The Redcliffe Peninsula has never been big enough for Harold Jones. His heart is toward God who loves people. His mission zeal has taken him all over the world, but especially to the homeland of his much beloved wife, the Philippines. Audrey has in so many ways been his crowning glory, his completion on earth. Out of a Deep Pit is a remarkable story about a truly remarkable man. Take a journey through shocking poverty in Wales, terrible loss, rejection, the coal mines, an abusive father, battles on the high seas, a horrible begining in Australia, sickness, family struggles, even depression. All the way through, God's hand delivers miracles! You will soon discover that this is no perfect man, and neither is it a perfect world. That is stored up for Heaven! But like King David, this is a man after God's own heart. The Bible records the lives of those who would be examples for us to follow. Here is another such man.......Harold Jones."

This is a very readable story about an ordinary 'battler' who overcomes all odds with the minimum amount of fuss. The story is told in a similar manner, with the drama of the events providing the excitement, without extra hype. The story starts in Wales and finishes in the suburbs of Brisbane with a world of experiences in between. A great story and one which will relate to many families who have had members involved in World War 2.

'' A truly great book, about the life and work of a good hard working man.
It opens the eyes of the reader, of a time past, when anything wanted had to be worked for, often for little reward.
Harolds war years offer the reader the chance to understand how tough one was expected to be, but still perform the tasks required at the highest levels, so not to let down not only oneself, but also that of your shipmates.
His faith in God also gave him the inner strength not only to overcome the work and problems that were involved and anything else that came his way, but also to help those around him in their time of need. All of these things he did so well. This book is a very good read of a normal man's life and is different to the books of this type around.
N.B. As the son of a father who was also on H.M.S.Ramillies for most of the war, I fully understand and appreciate the sometimes most difficult situations and conditions that sailors were expected to cope with and did. At any time your life could change forever, maybe end. A special type of person was required for this pressure and thankfully H.M.S. Ramillies and many other ships had these. That is why I can fully recommend the reading of this book.

Unlike his well-known relative, singer, Tom Jones, Welsh-born Harold Jones might never have been known outside his community if Trudee Hunter, another Redcliffe resident, hadn't told his story.
This is an inspiring book of an over-coming life well and adventurously lived. The author has divided Harold's life into three sections and each section has short, named chapters, making the book an easy read and reference. As I read it, I thought what a great classroom reading book it would make. Most of the heroes our children read about are not living in Queensland or even Australia. I've nothing against Ned Kelly but feel Harold is a better role model.

I am not usually one to sit down and read as time doesn't allow but fortunately I was given this book to read when on holiday and then I was hooked. I couldnt put it down until I had finished it. I loved that it was a true story and the story was told so well you felt you were there to. I cried, I laughed and went through all the emotions like the character did. Job well done by the Author, fantastic book. Thanks so much.

This review is a collection of comments from statisfied readers.
"I can't even describe the experience of reading this book. Once in a while a book will come along that doesn't easily fit into any box or category. A book that raises the bar both in its poetic ability to enrich the reader with every page of perfectly executed use of the English language, and in its ability to deliver a story line that draws even the most skeptical readers in. Harold's true story reveals a rare grasp on Godly servanthood & Christ-like behaviour, that I found myself convicted, inspired and motivated. Within the first ten pages during the deeply sad episode of his mother, I teared up and realized that I was going to have to make myself comfortable, because this page-turner was about to lure me in." (Donna Howell. Publicist. U.S.A.)
"Out of a Deep Pit is a story well told in all departments, and extremely well written. It is a gem. Harold's life and the writer's dexterous treatment of his travails and successes, is indeed a shining beacon for all of us to aspire towards. I highly recommend the book and author to any person looking at an individual's struggle and victory across an 'extraordinary' lifetime of experiences." (Dr. James Lergessner. University Professor & Author. Q'ld.)
"Out of a Deep Pit is an amazing odyssey replete with honest pain and light, breaking through great darkness. Many will recognize the edge of darkness, having survived profound despair. Somewhere in this story we see light.... feel the tormenting obscurity and find the hope. It is a triumph!" (Catherine Alexander. Rothwell, Q'ld)
"Harold displayed strength of character, proudly wearing his faith on his sleeve despite adversity. On all accounts, Harold remained true to his Christian values and in turn, was blessed by a number of explainable events. This book would be of interest not only to those with a strong faith but also to those who believe in, or want to restore their belief in miracles. I was personally moved by Harold's story, and it made me reflect on the presence of my own guardian angel that I feel protects and guides me and the city of Ipswich."
Mayor Paul Pisasale, City of Ipswich, Q'ld.)

I thought the author had an awesome grasp of what Harolds life was like.
Excellent read.